OMG! This Is How To Use Abbreviations Like A Native
OMG and FYI! Do native speakers use these abbreviations in speaking? This was a question one of my students asked me recently. The answer is: yes! We definitely use abbreviations in daily conversation. I’ll show you how.
The truth is, you’re probably already doing this. For example, have you ever said U.S.A. instead of United States of America? If so, then you’re definitely using abbreviations when speaking.
But what about common Internet slang like FOMO and OMG? Or how about those common business abbreviations like ASAP and COB.
In today’s video, you’ll learn about two different types so you know how to use abbreviations correctly. And I’ll share some popular examples for daily conversation.
How to use modern and popular abbreviations in conversation.
Lesson by Annemarie
Additional Examples of How to Use Abbreviations in Conversation
In the video lesson, I highlighted how we use FYI, OMG, WTF, TMI, FOMO, and TGIF in English conversation.
Here are several more examples that are commonly used today. Note: These are all initialisms, which means you say each individual letter.
Abbreviations that are common at work:
- ETA – estimated time of arrival
- What is the ETA on that report you are writing?
- TBA – to be announced, to be advised
- The date for the big client meeting is still TBA
- BTW – by the way
- BTW, the boss needs to see you in her office in five minutes.
- COB – close of business
- Can you get me those documents by COB?
These abbreviations are used a lot in daily life:
- BFF – best friends forever
- This is my BFF, we have known each other since kindergarten
- DIY – Do it yourself. ย We use this especially about art, craft, and work by hand.
- She bought an old house that needs work because she loves DIY.
- DM – direct message, meaning send an online message to me personally.
- If you need more information just DM me. ย
Finally, these are the abbreviations you can use instead of swearing.ย These are not the kind of things you would normally say at work, depending on where you work and who you work with of course.
- BS – this means bulls$#%, so it really it means garbage.
- He was talking a lot of BS.
- AF – this means as f$#% and is used in place of so, really or very
- She is smart AF.
- NFI – this means โno f$#@ing ideaโ which really means โI really donโt knowโ
- She has been gone for hours and I have NFI where she is.
Related Lessons
If you’re interested in this topic, be sure to check out my Confident English lesson on Common Internet and Social Media Slang in English.
Now it’s your turn to practice!
How would you use abbreviations to shorten these sentences?
- Please call me back really soon, it is urgent! ย
- I’m totally bummed I’m going to miss the party this weekend! Everyone else is going.
- Oh my goodness, what on earth happened here?
Share your answers with me in the comments section below.
Have a fantastic Confident English Wednesday!
~ Annemarie
Get the Confidence to Say What You Want in English
Download my free training on how to build the courage and confidence you need to say what you want in English.
You'll also get my Confident English lessons delivered by email every Wednesday and occasional information about available courses. You can unsubscribe any time.
Similar Lessons
Learn with me
Most Recent Lessons
#288: Public Speaking Skills | Speak So Your Audience Listens
Answer common small talk questions in English with absolute confidence and enjoy conversations. Including ‘How was your weekend?’ or ‘What do you do in your free time?’
#287: The 5 Most Common Small Talk Questions in English with Answers
Answer common small talk questions in English with absolute confidence and enjoy conversations. Including ‘How was your weekend?’ or ‘What do you do in your free time?’
#286: Improve Your English Speaking Skills with Emphasis and Vocal Variety
The weather is a common topic of small talk in English. That includes talking about the temperature โ how hot, cold, warm, or cool it is outside.
ยฉ Copyright 2014-2023 Speak Confident Englishย | ย Privacy Policy ย | ย Terms & Disclaimerย | Online Class Policies
Hello, can I shorten you with the letter u and are the letter r? Is it always used? Please reply
Hi Annemarie, OMG this class was a excellent class.
I have FOMO to miss the next class.
I need to meet you ASAP
Hey Rossy – awesome job with the abbreviations! ๐ So glad it was a helpful lesson.
Hi Annemarie, welcome back, I missed you!
OMG! Another great lesson! THX! ๐
Now, for your challenge:
1) Call me ASAP, it’s urgent!
2) I have FOMO for the party.
3) OMG! What happened?
Hi Annalisa,
It’s great to hear from you again! Excellent job using another abbreviationโTHX! And your examples are perfect ways to abbreviate my sentences. Good work. ๐
I love this training..it is real awesome especially to me who is a intermediate learner
I’m so glad, Emy!! I hope you have many opportunities to use what you’ve learned.
1.ASAP
2.FOMO
3.OMG!
what a lovely lesson..I really wondering from where I can got these abbreviations
I know now..there is no enough words to thank you Annamarie.
Excellent. I’m glad it was a helpful lesson, Walaa.
Hi Annamarie, I am Hungarian and we use lots of bad words in Hungarian language. Sometimes, in some cases it can be really funny (if the words don’t hurt anybody), sometimes it’s totally unnecessary and sometimes it’s just simply rude. I like the way how English speakers can/want to avoid bad words. ๐ 1. Please call me back really soon, it is urgent! –> Please call me ASAP! 2. Iโm totally bummed Iโm going to miss the party this weekend! Everyone else is going. –> I have total FOMO to miss the party! 3. Oh my goodness, what on earth… Read more ยป
Hi Timi,
Thanks for your comments! I have to admit, Americans like to use bad words, too, like Hungarians. But I agree with you that sometimes it’s totally unnecessary. Excellent job with using abbreviations in your sentences. I love your example for number 3 with OMG and WTF. Nice work and impressive writing in English. ๐
Hello Annemarie!
I hope that you have enjoyed your rest a lot.
I would use this abbreviations to shorten these sentences:
1. Please call me back ASAP, it is urgent!
2. OMG! What happened?
3. I have FOMO.
Love those example sentences, Adriana!! Great work. ๐